Over the past few days, other than Aaron Ramsey, one player has dominated the press coverage in Italy, and his name is Nicolo Barella.
If you’ve been reading our stuff over the past six months, you’ll be aware that both Manchester United and Arsenal are interested in the young midfielder, valued by his club, Cagliari, at around €50m.
The Red Devils’ interest dates back to last January, while the Gunners are more recent arrivals, only joining the fray a few months ago.
Barella has made it clear since the beginning of the season he wouldn’t be leaving his current club midway through the season, so any transfer would have to take place in the summer, but that isn’t stopping clubs laying the foundations for a potential deal.
Inter are the most active in this department, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, and are said to be holding the reins as things stand.
As is custom, the newspaper give us a pie chart to give us an idea of where things stand: Luciano Spalletti’s side are given a 30% chance of getting their man, while both Napoli and Manchester United are on 20%.Arsenal’s hopes stand at 15%, which is the same number as ‘others’, which we’re guessing includes the likes of Chelsea, who were said to be very much interested last month.
Manchester United and the Gunners are said to have drawn up ‘more than positive’ folders on the 21-year-old, and their ability to just slap money down on the table is a worry for Inter, who are also looking at alternatives, you know, just in case.
